It's a rare treat to have not one, but three Lilac Fairies past and present in the same room together. Former Principal of The Royal Ballet Darcey Bussell, Former Director of The Royal Ballet Monica Mason and First Soloist of The Royal Ballet Claire Calvert join forces to discuss why the character is such a joy (and challenge) to perform.

The Lilac Fairy is the force of good throughout the ballet – remedying the curse set upon the baby Aurora by the evil Carabosse. Rather than allowing her to die, she sends Aurora to sleep for 100 years until she is awoken by true love’s kiss.

‘As a role it’s quite nerve-wracking because you are always the main storyteller,’ says Bussell.

The Lilac Fairy uses mime in order to communicate to the characters on stage; a type of movement, the dancers reveal, that does not come as naturally as classical steps.

‘I hear you in my head saying the steps, and you even say the words to the music!’ says Calvert to Mason, her former coach in the role.

‘Miming is so rewarding and it’s hard to appreciate it when you’re young,’ says Monica Mason. 'You think it’s all in the technique but it’s really it’s in the storytelling.’